Authors are funny creatures, they have strange habits and unexpected interests that flare up as particular books take over their brains.
If you have an author in your life and need some gift ideas, I'm here to help. These are items I've been gifted, or have lusted after despite having far too many material possessions already.
Note that any links are for inspiration only, please research any vendors before buying to ensure they're legit!
I'm a broken record but the best gift you can give an author is to 1) buy multiple copies of their book and 2) leave reviews everywhere. Create an account on any site that sells books and hosts reviews and put your five stars there. Reviews don't need to be long, just enthusiastic! If you have social media accounts: share their book with your followers! Print out all your reviews & posts and tuck it in a card to let them know you are spreading the word about their awesome book.
If they read short stories - consider a subscription to a magazine (if they like literary-leaning sci-fi, Augur Magazine is a great one and is only $25 for 1 year, or for straight literary, The Antigonish Review is only $30).
A custom-made little mini-book keychain with their book cover. Or perhaps a holiday ornament. Go to etsy.com and search "custom mini book" and you'll get lots of options to celebrate their amazing accomplishment of publication.
Writing prompts to help spark creativity. This is my favourite: The 3am Epiphany by Kiteley "Uncommon writing exercises that will transform your fiction" https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/632395/3-am-epiphany-by-brian-kiteley/
For novel-writers: the best book on novel revision I've ever read: Refuse to Be Done by Bell https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/688508/refuse-to-be-done-how-to-write-and-rewrite-a-novel-in-three-drafts-by-matt-bell/
While you may think the author in your life can't possibly need another journal/notebook, you would probably be correct technically, but needing another notebook and being happy to receive another notebook are different. So: a fancy/pretty notebook.
If they ever write by hand: a fancy pen. My husband gifted me a Swiss Caran D'ache aluminum ballpoint pen and it is a joy to write with and not something I'd ever purchase for myself. I don't even want to know what it cost.
If they do their writing in a particular coffee shop or cafe, a gift card for that spot is lovely, it means they can get treats guilt-free.
When in doubt - books from (or a gift card for) their nearest local independent bookstore. If you know their reading tastes, you can talk to a bookseller to get suggestions for books, if you want a safer route: gift card. Support your local bookstore if you have one!
For short story writers: I haven't tried this but I'm curious about it - the George Saunder's Story Club - The club reads through classic short stories, breaking down how they do what they do, extracting craft insights, and discussing the life of writers through weekly Q&As with one of America’s most successful writers. One month is $6, one year $50. https://georgesaunders.substack.com/subscribe?gift=true
Writing workshop - this one depends on you knowing what your author wants to learn/would find useful, but if you do have a sense, look for local single-day writing workshops. Or try an online course, maybe something like what the https://writersleague.org/programs/classes/.
Actual miniature versions of classic books that contain the full text! https://www.miniboox.com/?cat=c3_Miniature-Classics-english-literature.html
Out of the box options:
writers spend a lot of time hunched over a keyboard which can wreak havoc on a body. Consider a gift certificate for personal training sessions or a massage therapist to work out the kinks & build strength; keep them going so they can keep writing.
Donation to a writing organization that aligns with their values (e.g. PEN), or a membership in a relevant writer's guild (usually based on what genre they write and/or something local to where they are).
Hope that helps!
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